Key Takeaways
- The 155 MW phase, developed by Seriti Green, runs on 25 Goldwind GWH182-6.2 MW turbines with a 183.5-metre rotor diameter — the widest of any operating wind project in South Africa.
- Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm Phase One entered commercial operation on August 2, 2026, as the first phase of South Africa’s largest wind farm cluster.
- Located in Mpumalanga Province, it is the region’s first wind project and cleared provincial and national grid connection tests.
- The full Ummbila complex is planned to combine 750 MW of wind, 150 MW of solar PV, and 800 MWh of energy storage, with Phases two and three targeted for completion in 2027.
- Goldwind and Seriti Green signed a Phase 4 cooperation agreement at the commissioning ceremony, which drew President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Goldwind Turbines Power South Africa’s Largest Wind Cluster
The opening phase of South Africa’s biggest wind farm cluster has begun commercial operation, a concrete step in the country’s Just Energy Transition. Announced on August 2, 2026, the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm Phase One was developed by Seriti Green and runs on 25 Goldwind GWH182-6.2 MW turbines, for a combined capacity of 155 MW. Each machine carries a rotor diameter of 183.5 metres, the widest of any operating wind project in South Africa so far.
Inside the Ummbila Emoyeni Project
Sited in Mpumalanga Province, the wind farm is the first of its kind in the region. During full-site synchronisation, it cleared provincial and national grid connection tests, a result the developers point to as evidence of how well the turbines adapt to the local grid. A commissioning ceremony drew South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng, Seriti Resources Group CEO Mike Teke, Seriti Green CEO Peter Venn, and Goldwind Deputy Chairman and President Cao Zhigang, along with government officials and community leaders.
A Wider Renewable Hub Takes Shape
Phase One is one part of a larger plan. The full Ummbila complex is designed to combine 750 MW of wind, 150 MW of solar PV, and 800 MWh of energy storage. Construction on Phases two and three is already moving, with completion targeted for 2027 to turn the site into a central piece of South Africa’s clean energy build-out.
Goldwind Turbines and Seriti Green Extend Their Partnership
At the ceremony, the two companies signed a cooperation agreement covering Phase 4, adding to an existing working relationship.
“Goldwind has been our indispensable long-term partner, and we look forward to deepening cooperation on future project phases,” said Peter Venn, CEO of Seriti Green.
“Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm Phase One achieving commercial operation ahead of schedule is proof of the trust and open collaboration we have built. This is not just a wind farm — it is a strategic project that delivers reliable power, drives infrastructure investment, creates local jobs and advances community development. We are delivering more than clean energy; we are delivering a long-term commitment rooted in South Africa,” said Cao Zhigang, Deputy Chairman and President at Goldwind.
